Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Entry Level

If you’re looking for a long-term federal law enforcement career that makes a difference every day to our country and its citizens, the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is hiring entry-level Border Patrol Agents for full-time, career positions. Prior experience in public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement may qualify you for this role. Join an elite team of professionals dedicated to protecting America.

Pay

Annual base salary for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents varies by grade:

• GL-5/GL-7: $51,632 - $92,219 per year

Duty location impacts pay rates; locality pay for federal law enforcement is higher in some locations. A fully trained Border Patrol Agent may be eligible for up to an additional 25% of base pay per the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014.

This is a career ladder position with grade level progression of GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without reapplying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level.

Benefits

Border Patrol Agents are eligible for an array of federal employment benefits, including:

• Health, dental, and other insurance plans
• Generous annual and sick leave program
• Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (a retirement plan akin to a traditional ROTH 401(k))

Recruitment Incentive

Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may be eligible for up to $20,000 in incentives:

• $10,000 upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy
• An additional $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location such as Sierra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Freer, or Hebbronville, TX; Lordsburg, NM; or Ajo, AZ

Retention Incentive

Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may also qualify for up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over their first four years.

Schedule

This is a full-time position. Relocation may be required based on operational needs.

Responsibilities

As a Border Patrol Agent, you will safeguard America’s borders, deter illicit activity, and enhance the nation’s economic prosperity. Typical assignments include:

• Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and customs laws, and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers at or near the borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions, including using infrared scopes during night operations
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband
• Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks
• Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles

Duty Locations

You will be asked to select your preferred location from the following mission-critical sectors and stations. Duty assignments are determined based on operational needs and may not align with your first-choice preferences:

• Big Bend Sector Stations: Presidio, Van Horn, Sanderson, Alpine, Sierra Blanca, Marfa
• Buffalo Sector Stations: Wellesley Island
• Del Rio Sector Stations: Del Rio, Brackettville, Comstock, Eagle Pass North, Eagle Pass South, Carrizo Springs, Uvalde
• El Paso Sector Stations: Alamogordo, Clint, Deming, El Paso, Fort Hancock, Las Cruces, Lordsburg, Santa Teresa, Ysleta
• El Centro Sector Stations: El Centro, Indio, Calexico
• Grand Forks Sector Stations: Pembina
• Havre Sector Stations: Havre, Malta, Plentywood, Scobey, Sweetgrass
• Houlton Sector Stations: Calais, Fort Fairfield, Jackman, Rangeley, Van Buren
• Laredo Sector Stations: Laredo South, Cotulla, Hebbronville, Laredo West, Freer, Laredo North, Zapata
• Rio Grande Valley Sector Stations: Rio Grande City, Fort Brown, McAllen, Brownsville, Falfurrias, Weslaco, Kingsville, Harlingen
• San Diego Sector Stations: Boulevard, Brownfield, Campo, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Murrieta, San Clemente
• Spokane Sector Stations: Colville, Curlew, Metaline Falls, Oroville
• Swanton Sector Stations: Beecher Falls, Burke, Champlain, Newport, Richford
• Tucson Sector Stations: Ajo, Tucson, Nogales, Douglas, Brian A Terry, Sonoita, Casa Grande, Three Points Substation, Willcox
• Yuma Sector Stations: Blythe, Yuma, Wellton

Qualifications

GL-5 Grade Level

You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:

• Experience: One year of general work experience demonstrating the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; learn regulations, methods, and techniques through classroom training and/or on-the-job instruction; and gather concise information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records.
• Education Substitution: A bachelor’s degree or successful completion of a full four-year course of study in any field from an accredited college or university.
• Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general work experience and successfully completed college education, calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts.

GL-7 Grade Level

You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:

• Experience: One year of specialized work experience demonstrating skills such as making sound judgments in the use of firearms; dealing effectively with people in a courteous and tactful manner in law enforcement matters; analyzing information rapidly and making prompt decisions; or developing and maintaining contact with a network of informants. This experience may include criminal code enforcement, determining violations of laws, correctional or rehabilitation work, security, or military law enforcement.
• Education Substitution:
  • A bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (based on class standing, GPA of 3.0 or higher, or honor society membership).
  • One full year of graduate-level education in a field related to law enforcement (e.g., criminal justice, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, forensic psychology, or corrections and rehabilitation) from an accredited college or university.
• Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience and education, calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts.

Note: If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GL-9 or GS-11 grade level. Refer to the BPA GL-9 - 11 announcement for details.

Other Requirements

• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.
• Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (including protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.
• Age Restriction: Candidates must be referred for selection before reaching their 40th birthday, in accordance with Public Law 100-238 and Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. Exceptions apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), or if you are eligible for Veterans’ Preference.
• Formal Training: After hiring, you will attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six months of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement and USBP-specific operations, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses. Proficiency in Spanish is required; training will be provided at the Academy.